Green Action Group: Building Momentum for Nature and Climate Action in West Somerset

The Green Action Group recently held its second meeting, bringing together community members, local organisations, and partners committed to supporting nature recovery and climate adaptation across West Somerset.

Following a well-attended first session in November, which focused on co-designing how the group would work and identifying shared priorities, this second meeting marked a shift towards action planning and delivery.

A key part of the evening was a presentation from Charlotte Burke of the National Trust on the Freshwater Renaissance Project. The presentation provided valuable insight into river restoration, water quality, and the role of healthy freshwater systems in supporting both wildlife and climate resilience. This sparked productive discussion and helped ground the group’s ambitions in real, place-based examples. Building on this, the group is supporting the Riparian Owners Workshop in Porlock in March, covering responsibilities for watercourses, flooding, and maintenance.

Priority Actions Moving Forward

The meeting then focused on progressing the priority actions that received the strongest support during the first session. These actions align with the four themes of the Minehead Climate Adaptation Plan and include:

  • Mapping existing green spaces and identifying opportunities to better connect them through wildlife corridors
  • Exploring suitable locations for tree planting, including community orchards
  • Developing a comprehensive Natural Flood Management approach
  • Organising regular talks, workshops, and events to support community learning and engagement
  • Exploring the creation of a local Sustainable Business Charter to encourage and recognise positive environmental practice

There was strong interest in forming smaller working groups around specific themes, allowing people to contribute their skills and experience in a focused and practical way. The discussion also highlighted the value of the group as a space for collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support.

What Has Worked Well in the Community So Far

The group reflected on past activity across West Somerset and Exmoor, identifying approaches with strong community engagement and impact which can be built upon:

  • Ponds Alive, bioblitzes, nature watch, seawatch, and shoresearch events
  • Plastic Free initiatives, including litter picks, neighbourhood clean-ups, beach cleans, and tree guard removal
  • Nature-based activities linked to wider festivals and events, such as the Minehead Bay Festival and Harbour Festival
  • Climate Fairs and Nature Days, where talks and stalls were combined in shared spaces
  • iNaturalist training sessions and Water Watch events
  • Grassroots data collection, including recording litter for campaigns such as Surfers Against Sewage

The group also noted opportunities to build on existing infrastructure, including equipment for litter and tree guard clearance, and the potential for an Exford hub to process and reuse tree guards.

Increasing Engagement: Arts, Sports, and Culture

A recurring theme was the importance of reaching people beyond traditional environmental audiences. Ideas include:

  • Arts, theatre, and film screenings in Minehead and surrounding villages
  • Using sports and activity hubs (skate, surf, football, youth and outdoor centres) as entry points for environmental action
  • Blending nature with wellbeing and creativity, such as yoga in woodland settings rather than purely nature-focused events

This approach supports inclusion, creativity, and wider participation.

Looking Ahead: Longer-Term Opportunities

The Green Action Group is also exploring longer-term ambitions, including:

  • Protecting existing habitats through collective action and shared learning
  • Strengthening wildlife corridors across West Somerset and Exmoor
  • Signposting volunteering, surveys, and citizen science opportunities through MCDT and partners
  • Small-scale ecological surveys and parish-level activity, including work with Carhampton Climate Change Group
  • Field visits (e.g. sewage works, recycling centres) and specialist talks
  • Regenerative agriculture learning, drawing on local expertise
  • Larger events such as Minehead Climate Fair 2026

There is interest in high-profile speakers and deeper learning, alongside locally rooted knowledge and practice.

Collaboration, Communication, and Shared Resources

Key enablers identified by the group include:

  • A central shared calendar for green and community events
  • Collaborative promotion and marketing to improve attendance and reduce duplication
  • Better coordination across groups such as Plastic Free, National Trust, Exmoor Society, Green Forum, and others
  • Exploring venues such as Dunster Tithe Barn for larger events
  • Making better use of shared tools and data, including the UK Habitat Map

Future developments include the planned opening of a community space with a commercial kitchen at With the Wild CIC’s regenerative farm (spring 2027), offering further scope for learning and collaboration.

Get Involved

The Green Action Group aims to be a positive force for change in West Somerset, supporting grassroots action while strengthening connections between individuals, community groups, and organisations. Meetings are expected to take place on a bi-monthly basis, with updates shared ahead of each session.

Anyone interested in getting involved, sharing ideas, or learning more about the group’s work is encouraged to follow future updates and opportunities to participate.

 To get involved or find out more, contact helen@mineheadandcoast.org.uk.